How to Make Almond Butter (Because It’s Like $15 a Jar)

Making homemade almond butter can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your device. The almonds will first break down into powdery clumps and then collect around the edge of the bowl (pause the machine every few minutes and use a spatula to scrape down the side when this happens). Next, the mixture will transform into a sort of grainy almond paste, and finally, it will turn into that creamy consistency you know and love. Don’t be alarmed if your mixture gets hot—simply stop and let it cool down for a few minutes before continuing.

Now that your almond butter is as smooth as, um, butter, it’s time to add any extra flavorings. A pinch of salt is definitely recommended to bring out the flavor of the almonds, but you could also add cinnamon, maple syrup, honey or vanilla extract. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Let the mixture cool to room temperature before transferring the almond butter to a sealed container (we like using a mason jar). Homemade almond butter will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks. 

Honestly, we could just eat this stuff straight out of the jar with a spoon (in fact, we have done exactly that on multiple occasions). But if you’re looking for more creative ways to use your homemade almond butter, give this charred broccoli with sriracha almond butter sauce recipe a go. On a diet? Treat yourself to these three-ingredient Paleo almond butter cups or Paleo almond butter granola bars. Alternatively, start the day with this Gwyneth Paltrow–approved blueberry-cauliflower smoothie made with almond butter for a protein boost. For other tasty ways to use almond butter, treat it the same way you would its cousin, peanut butter: Try it on a sandwich, as a dip for fruit and vegetables or stirred into oatmeal.

Terrible at math? Don’t sweat it—we’ve crunched the numbers for you. Let’s say you buy one pound (or 16 ounces) of almonds for $6.49 at the grocery store. Add them to your food processor or blender and you’ll have 16 ounces of nutritious and delicious almond butter. Meanwhile, a 16-ounce jar of Barney almond butter will set you back $11 and keto dieters’ favorite Legendary almond butter costs a staggering $18. Justin’s classic almond butter is slightly cheaper at $7.39 per jar, but whipping up your own will still save you a good chunk of cash (especially if you eat almond butter on the reg).

Of course, exactly how much cheaper the homemade stuff will be compared to store-bought will depend on the price of almonds where you are—we’re working with New York City prices here. Top tip: To get the most bang for your buck, buy your almonds in bulk, which tends to be cheaper (and keep a lookout for sales and markdowns). 

Here’s some good news: Almonds are packed full of nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium and potassium. They’re also a great source of protein (one ounce of almonds provides approximately one-eighth of your daily needs). And while almonds get a bad rap for their high fat content, it’s the healthy unsaturated kind. In fact, per a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, consuming almonds lowers cholesterol levels. Compared to peanut butter, almond butter has double the amount of fiber and roughly 50 percent less sugar. But as with everything, moderation is key (think a few tablespoons per day and not the entire jar).